Cultivating a life of charm, style & simple pleasures.

Foodie Gift List

Do you have a cook, baker or entertainer on your Christmas gift list? Does the idea of finding a thoughtful, appealing gift for them strike fear in your heart? I get it. I love to cook and bake and over the years I’ve received my fair share of gifts in that vein. Some of been home runs. (Thanks again, Cole, for the mandoline!) Others have been duds. (Does anyone really need a separate appliance that vertically roasts chickens?) Sometimes it can feel impossible to find something your foodie a) will like and use and b) doesn’t already have. Here are some ideas for gifts that are new, different and down-right beautiful.

An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is an heirloom in the making. This one from new-kid-on-the-block brand Great Jones Goods is as stylish as it is practical and at $145 is less than half of what you’d pay for one from “Le French brand”.

Good cooks know that freshly ground spices are head and shoulders above the pre-ground stuff. a mortar and pestle can get the job done but this adorable striped ceramic spice grinder does it in style! Bonus points if your foodie is a blogger or Instagrammer: this cutie is the perfect prop!

Today grabbing your organic groceries is as easy as dropping into Whole Foods but that wasn’t always the case. This interesting book tells the story of how brown rice, yogurt and sprouts went from counter-culture symbols to pantry staples.

If you have a tea drinker or pour-over coffee enthusiast on your list this beautiful copper kettle is sure to earn you everlasting gratitude. It’s always a bonus when something is as beautiful as it is practical.

Everywhere you look cheese and charcuterie boards are the hottest thing in entertaining. This beautiful board is sure to be the talk of their next party and for this price you can even throw in some fancy cheese!

Bakers know Nielsen-Massey vanilla is the very best. This rich, thick vanilla bean paste not only delivers the very best vanilla flavor but also the delightful specks of vanilla bean seeds that make your baked goods stand out.

Bundle the vanilla bean paste with this lesser known flavoring from King Arthur Flour. A delicious combination of vanilla and citrus, fiori di Sicilia delivers a heavenly glavor and fragrance that will have them trying to guess the secret ingredient.

Folio Society books are works of art and this beautiful volume of writings on food and drink from everyone from Austen to Slater is just the thing to curl up in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa and enjoy.

Believe me, your favorite chef really doesn’t want another “Kiss the Cook” apron. This wonderful apron is sturdy enough for everyday use yet pretty enough to toss on over a party dress for last minute prep.

Beautiful Briny Sea makes some of the most exciting seasoned salt blends around from quality ingredients. Let your favorite cook taste their way through one or both of these sample packs to discover their own favorite. I’m partial to Mushroom and French Picnic.

No chef ever has enough mixing bowls and these beauties from Mason Cash are pretty enough to double as serving bowls. The soft colors, scalloped edges and embossed woodland creature designs make this set stand out from the pack.

Cook or baker, novice or pro; everyone needs a few half sheet pans in their repertoire. This handy set comes with a rack sized to fit inside so it can serve as a roasting rack as well as a cooling rack.